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Daily news brief — 18 May 2026

10 stories · 11 sources · 5 minute read

01worldCovered by 2 outlets

Ukraine launches largest drone strike on Moscow in more than a year, killing at least three

Ukraine launched its largest drone strike on Moscow in over a year, killing three and injuring 12. Russia responded with a heavy missile barrage on Kyiv, striking a residential block and killing at least 24 people.

Why it matters

The exchanges mark a significant escalation in strikes on both capitals, signaling intensifying conflict beyond frontline fighting.

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Sources

  • SBS News
  • Ukrainian authorities via SBS News
02world

Trump warns Iran ‘there won’t be anything left’ if it rejects new peace deal

President Trump warned Iran it is running out of time to reach a peace deal, stating on social media that 'the clock is ticking.' He threatened that 'there won't be anything left' of Iran if negotiations fail.

Why it matters

Escalating rhetoric from the U.S. toward Iran raises tensions in an already volatile region, with potential implications for global stability.

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Sources

  • SBS News
03world

Israeli and U.S. authorities reportedly prepare to resume strikes on Iran

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he expects imminent talks with President Trump regarding Iran, as U.S. media reports that Israeli and American officials are preparing to resume military strikes against Iranian targets.

Why it matters

A potential joint military operation against Iran could significantly escalate regional tensions and reshape Middle East security dynamics.

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Sources

  • The New York Times

“Why it matters” for the rest of today's stories is available in the Fivly app.

04techCovered by 5 outlets

IBM Unveils Analog AI Chip Targeting More Efficient Deep Learning

IBM has unveiled an analog AI accelerator chip that processes computations in memory, significantly reducing power consumption for deep learning workloads. The chip targets both large-scale data centers and edge devices as a more sustainable alternative to conventional GPUs.

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Sources

  • YouTube
  • YouTube
  • YouTube
  • YouTube (Top 10 News Tech Briefing)
  • Reuters
05techCovered by 4 outlets

Researchers Claim 100x Reduction in AI Energy Use in Breakthrough Study

Researchers claim a technique that reduces AI energy consumption by up to 100-fold for certain workloads. If validated, the method could significantly lower operating costs for large models and reduce the environmental impact of expanding AI infrastructure.

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Sources

  • YouTube
  • YouTube (Top 10 News Tech Briefing)
  • YouTube (Top 10 News Tech Briefing)
  • Tokyo University of Science via ScienceDaily
06businessCovered by 2 outlets

China consumer spending growth slows to weakest in years

China's consumer spending growth slowed sharply in April, hitting its weakest pace in years. Official retail sales data signals cautious consumers and fragile domestic demand, despite ongoing policy support measures.

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Sources

  • AFP
  • AFP
07markets

Sterling falls to six-week low as UK political turmoil hits gilts

The pound fell to a six-week low as UK gilt yields rose sharply amid renewed political uncertainty. The selloff came despite stronger-than-expected Q1 GDP data, with elevated inflation continuing to cloud the outlook.

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Sources

  • IG Group
08ai

CSIRO launches Vetra, sovereign edge AI infrastructure for real‑time robotics

Australia's CSIRO has launched Vetra, an edge AI platform that processes data locally near robots and sensors rather than relying on distant cloud servers. This enables faster, safer real-time learning and control in safety-critical environments.

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Sources

  • CSIRO
09business

AI demand boosts Singapore exports in April

Singapore's exports climbed in April, buoyed by strong demand linked to artificial intelligence. The uptick signals how the global AI expansion is creating tangible trade benefits across parts of Asia.

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Sources

  • AFP
10ai

NTT DATA to acquire WinWire to accelerate enterprise AI adoption on Microsoft Azure

NTT DATA has signed a definitive agreement to acquire WinWire, gaining roughly 1,000 Azure engineers and AI specialists. The deal strengthens NTT DATA's agentic AI and data engineering capabilities as it expands its role as a Microsoft global systems integrator.

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Sources

  • NTT DATA